The Peninsula Spa & Wellness Center

Went here last week to use a gift card I had been saving for years (traveling a lot got the best of me, so I was very excited to finally use it!). I was told the facilities were under renovation but that they still had the same level of experience for my massage. Booking was super easy and quick! Just to preface - this service was January 13, so thing might change by the time you read this. When I got off the elevator, I was met with the receptionist sitting at two very crowded folding tables with a cheap table cloth on it. She didn’t even have enough room to prep the clipboard she needed me to fill out. It was all set up in the hallway of a floor of regular hotel rooms. I then moved to the “relaxation room” which was just a hotel room that they took out the bed and put a few chairs and tea maker in. It was embarrassing. The bathroom was in the hallway and you could hear EVERYTHING happening in there. There was no music or sound to ambient the room. And no snacks like trail mix that others had posted about. Just a dead quiet room with chairs where you could have tea and hear people in the bathroom. I was then taken to my treatment room, which again was a regular hotel room that they took the bed out of. The table was super comfortable and the massage was ok. My therapist was a bit too deep in most places - even when I asked him to lighten up. He never asked how the pressure was or checked in along the way, which was disappointing. “Spa music” was playing from his phone. No speaker, just a phone turned up. At the end - I at least expected to be offered to use the shower if I wanted. I was told to get dressed and meet him in the hallway. At check out I asked if the pricing was discounted considering they didn’t have any of the normal spa amenities. The receptionist smiled and nervously said “no” as she fumbled with the clipboard again. Very disappointed in this service and the environment. If their spa is under renovation, they should not offer services. If I wanted to walk into a room and receive a decent massage, I would have gone to massage envy. Stay away from the peninsula while they are under renovation. They should be embarrassed to change the prices for what they are currently offering.

We just had an amazing spa day at the Peninsula! We did a full day package as part of a birthday weekend, and it was everything we hoped for. The amenities like the pool and steam room were just so luxurious. We did a full day of services, and every single one was magical. The techs were all clearly knowledgeable and professional but also very kind and personable. Lunch was also delicious and delivered poolside. We had such an amazing time, we’re already scheming to get back to the Peninsula as soon as possible!

Our experience at The Peninsula Spa was excellent. We went for my birthday and called to book about a week in advance. My mom and I both got the half-day destress package with massage and facial. They weren’t able to do both services for each of us back to back but said we could do one each in the morning then the other for each of us at 1 pm. That worked out perfectly because we were able to spend those 3 hours in between in the relaxation room and by the indoor pool. They brought us a glass of champagne to celebrate my birthday. We ordered lunch by the pool and the food was really good. The massages and facials were also great. I wish I could remember the name of who did our facials, but Veronica did my massage and it was AWESOME. It was the BEST day and we will definitely be back next time we visit Chicago.

Very odd experience using a gift for a spa day . Apparently the gift included a 90 min massage with nails and a facial and lunch . They didn't have availability for the 90 min massage and only had time for a 60 min massage . I said that was fine because I had waited awhile to use gift and just wanted to use it . Apparently , if you DONT get the 90 min massage you don't get a lunch . It didn't make any sense to me to get less service and no meal but it was fine . However, when I got there the nice lady who did my nails asked if I had been given a meal and I explained situation . She then tried to advocate for me . The lunch thing kept coming up , it wasn't very relaxing hearing about it all the time . Finally a manager came and gave me a meal and was kind , but the place seems very poorly organized . I'd say the front desk staff was very unorganized both on the phone and in person . The prices one pays for the services one would expect much better staff . Also the facility itself wasn’t as nice as one would expect. The pool is open to hotel guests as well and was full of children running around (it’s the holidays so I get it -and like children , just thought there would be a spa only whirlpool or something ). No one waits in you at the pool or elsewhere . Locker rooms were fine but my local gym has nicer locker rooms .

We have been trying to use a two-massage gift certificate for nearly a year. When ever we call, there is no availability, and then if we ask to book no matter how far out, they say they can’t we have to call back at a later date to see what is available. We left a message for the Spa manager to call us to either book us or refund us, and we are still awaiting a return call. This is not The Peninsula that we know for our stays all over the world.

The spa is under construction through February, significantly impacting the experience despite its premium pricing. We were informed of construction when booking but only notified 24 hours prior that key amenities—including the sauna, steam room, and locker facilities—would be unavailable. While we requested a discount, the 20% reduction didn’t adequately reflect the diminished experience. Check-in was at a makeshift folding table near the elevators, and the “relaxation room” was just a repurposed hotel suite with standard seating, shared with other guests. There was no spa ambiance—no music, no robes—just tea, water, and basic snacks. The facial itself was underwhelming. My esthetician skipped the steam, immediately started extractions, and frequently left the room to retrieve supplies, cutting into service time. While I did receive an incredible neck massage as part of the service, the overall experience felt rushed and disjointed. Even after renovations, I’d likely choose the Waldorf or Langham instead, as they provide superior service and full amenities at a comparable price.

Top notch Real luxury and a delightful place to be Excellent service for a massage and facial. Was a birthday gift and was a real delight Used the pool and jacuzzi too. Unfortunately, the steam room and the sauna were closed Tim at the reception was exceptional and professional. Tina (facial) and Tania (massage) were both excellent I called them my TnT team. Will definitely be back

I was able to get a fairly last minute 90 minute massage with The Peninsula Spa this past weekend. The facilities are spacious and the views are amazing. Neel was my therapist and she went over and above to make sure that I had a fantastic experience! I would absolutely recommend this spa!!

I came here with a group for my mom's 60th birthday. We wanted to do something special for her milestone birthday. The Spa at the Peninsula was great to celebrate a special occasion or just for some self care. My treatment was great. The massage bed was heated and adjustable to fit your body. The spa itself smells like clean essential oils and is beautiful on the outside. With a treatment you have access to the pool and sun deck which provide fantastic views of the city!

This is what a $150 pedicure gets you!! HORRIBLE JOB! Nail polish application was so sloppy, it's on my skin and cuticles and not all on the nail. I was left with dry skin (and this was a plus up hydrating pedicure). DO NOT COME HERE FOR ANY NAIL SERVICES!! You could get a better pedicure literally anywhere. The lady was real sweet, but c'mon for $150?!?! HARD PASS.

So I went here for a big self care day, I was NOT disappointed! One of the highlights for me was the staff I worked with knowing and addressing me by name. It's small but it was one of the first things I told people about haha When you got into the locker room, there's mouth wash, toothbrush, tooth paste, hair products, and showers available for you to use! I loved how the shower stalls included a small section to change, then an extra door to the shower. The waiting room for treatment was so nice! There's only 4 beds, but extra seating further in. There's also tea, water, and some trail mix available to snack on. I got a massage with Melissa and a facial with Liz. I cannot recommend these ladies enough!! Melissa was super sweet and relaxing, I seriously could've fallen asleep! Liz was also really nice! She talked to me like a friend while keeping that level of professionalism, which I really appreciated! Overall, an amazing experience!

This is a review specifically for their manicure and pedicure service. I love the hotel & have stayed here many times. This time, I decided to schedule a mani & pedi at the end of my week stay as an added treat. When I tell you that I was shocked by my experience here, I mean it. There was nothing luxurious about this at all. And these are absolute top-tier prices for their services. They took me down the stairs after I checked in and I waited in this dark area as people were randomly walking back and forth from the pool area. A woman escorted me into this insanely small room (it looks like a closet) where there were 2 pedicure chairs right next to each other then 2 manicure stations across from that. I truly was shocked. I wanted to leave. Their website and spa detail information is so insanely misleading. This small room they cram you into has no windows, and is at the end of a dark hall. Forget that we are still dealing with the pandemic and there is zero social distancing. The two nail techs that were working were lovely but so obviously under appreciated & overworked. Which is beyond sad. My pedicure was ok but my manicure was the worst I've ever received. I wanted a French tip and the tech haphazardly painted each tip with a regular brush. Not one was the same. I also walked out and came right back to get some nail polish remover to clean up my own hands as I had white polish all over my skin. Just insane. The receptionist was appalled when I showed her my nails so she said she would take it off my bill ($65) was removed but I still paid over $150 plus tip for my mani and pedi. In my personal option, they should close down the manicure and pedicure options of the spa. It is not a luxury, high end experience. Quite the opposite. This was not a great way to end our stay here & it put such a bad taste in my mouth. I won't ever come back to the spa for any service at all.

Very odd experience using a gift for a spa day . Apparently the gift included a 90 min massage with nails and a facial and lunch . They didn't have availability for the 90 min massage and only had time for a 60 min massage . I said that was fine because I had waited awhile to use gift and just wanted to use it . Apparently , if you DONT get the 90 min massage you don't get a lunch . It didn't make any sense to me to get less service and no meal but it was fine . However, when I got there the nice lady who did my nails asked if I had been given a meal and I explained situation . She then tried to advocate for me . The lunch thing kept coming up , it wasn't very relaxing hearing about it all the time . Finally a manager came and gave me a meal and was kind , but the place seems very poorly organized . I'd say the front desk staff was very unorganized both on the phone and in person . The prices one pays for the services one would expect much better staff .

I booked a prenatal massage for myself and a signature massage for my husband. My massage therapist was Santana and she treated me amazingly. She was so kind and mindful of my requests. My husband had Veronica and said she was amazing. Both of us left feeling rejuvenated and relaxed. All of the staff was professional. The facilities were clean. I wish we would've booked facials and been able to use the other facilities but I called a week before so there wasn't much availability. The services weren't cheap but I thought our experiences were well worth the price.

My afternoon at the Spa at the Peninsula was just indulgent! My spouse surprised me with a spa day here, which consisted of a 60 minute massage and a facial. Spa patrons got access to the gym and other amenities the day of. So I decided to get here 2 hours early to get a workout in. The gym is not bad and has an excellent view of Michigan Ave and the Lake. It was not overly crowded so I was able to lift and use the machines without much wait or alteration of my workout regimen. There are plenty of treadmills and cycles. There's even a group fitness/yoga studio. After working out and spending some time in the steam room, I was ready for my massage. There's a relaxation/waiting room where guests can wait between appointments. So nice! Between my massage and facial, I had about 2 hours, which was intentional, so that I could get lunch. I ordered off their spa food menu (which is somewhat limited) and took lunch by the pool. I got the burger and fries, which was actually quite good! I returned to the relaxation room for my facial--it was so relaxing that I actually fell asleep during the treatment! I got here around 10:30 am and left around 4:30 pm. So it was a pretty full day of self care!

Had a 90min massage. Wasn't great but wasn't amazing. For the price, it should be amazing. The person who booked my massage also messed it up which by the time I learned of the mess up the booking wasn't preferred. Price was steeep. Not worth it. I've going to the Peninsula for close to 18 years. Would look elsewhere for spa services.

A somewhat disappointing experience. The staff were friendly but the scheduling was a bit odd. They gave me an hour break between my mani / pedi and massage. There are limited areas to relax- a steam room in the locker room, indoor pool that was filled with screaming children, or a patio outside where you can relax to the sounds of the city and hvac systems. There are no attendants in the pool spa area. So to get food or drinks between appointments requires going to the main desk to place an order. It then takes 30 mins for a drink to arrive. Very underwhelming experience and for the price point I suggest Aire or another spa that is more conceptually developed.

Love the spa @ Penisula. However, I don't like my 90 minute massage in an old closet that they converted into a massage room. Loud, noisy, and totally unprofessional for what they charge at the Penisula. If you prefer to spa there- ask not not be put in the room between two locker rooms/ mail area.

We visited this spa for the first time and had a wonderful experience! Everyone was extremely friendly and the amenities were great! We especially enjoyed the steam room - it was a very refreshing time :)

I was a little underwhelmed by my hot stone pedicure service which was priced at $105. It wasn't because of the service. It was because the Peninsula's pedi/mani room is this tiny, windowless, and cramped room with two spa chairs and three manicure desks. I heard the Peninsula recently completed renovations but they left this room untouched. Fortunately, I was the only one in the room while my friend had an appointment for a massage; he said his massage was great. With the tiny, windowless room aside, the pedicure service was good. I enjoyed how they explained each product to be used during the pedicure service (which is customary) and of course the hot stones were great! And my feet felt very smooooth afterwards. However, for the price of the pedicure I expected more than just great service because I believe the ambiance plays a significant role as well. Just like when you visit a restaurant, in most cases you want the highly priced entrees to accompany the decor/ambiance. Of course, this was the one time I didn't take my phone with me, so it left me without a chance to take a picture of the room! But after the service I managed to capture pictures of other areas. It is important to note the front desk was very polite, attentive, and efficient. They catered to each person discreetly, which was much appreciated.

It's been a few months since my last massage and I received a gift card for my birthday and realized it was time to use it. The hotel is still following Covid protocols and the spa. The wait area was nice and cozy while I waited for my massage therapist, Veronica. The room was at a good temperature. OMG! Veronica's pressure was good that I realized certain muscles that I didn't before. I totally zenned out listening to the subtle music while getting my kinks worked out. I highly recommend Veronica for your next massage.

I had a manicure here that was booked as a gift, and I was really surprised by the experience. I checked in at the desk early and was told to go downstairs and sit in a chair and wait. I thought there would be an offer of tea or water or something, but nothing. My manicurist was very sweet and did a fine job with the polish so I have no complaints about her directly, but honestly it was a pitiful "manicure". Polish change would be an accurate description. No scrub, no massage, just a quick cuticle trim then wrapped with a hot towel for a minute, then two quick coats of a polish. I was finished and out the door in like twenty minutes, including the time I sat in the hallway and waited for my nails to dry a bit. They also charge extra for quick drying polish. I have a more spa like experience at my regular nail salon for a fraction of the cost.

We came here for an early morning (8AM) massage and it was one of the best massages I've ever had. I also lost a very important necklace while I was here (in my robe pocket, my fault) and came back a few hours later. The manager and locker room staff were so quick to help me, searched all of the laundry, and they found it!

If you don't like being pampered and completely relaxed, then don't come to the spa at the Peninsula Hotel. The spa has so much to offer and the service is top notch. From the moment you book your appointment to the moment you leave, the staff is there to accommodate your requests. One thing I always look forward to is snuggling into the warm pod, sipping tea and having a delicious snack while waiting for my appointment. Other amenities include the pool and sauna. We look forward to coming here for our annual spa day with mom and sisters. :)

The Peninsula is basically perfection.... If you want to feel like a VIP, then this is your spot. You can wait for your massage therapist in a cocoon if you want...or you can overlook the pool and read a magazine. However, my favorite part was the de-stress coloring pages! Yes, you can sit and wait for a massage or other treatment while coloring and ignoring all life around you. It was such a neat idea. The staff is extremely friendly - even figuring out how to get my my missing glass of champagne (delivered too late for me to enjoy pre-treatment). The massage itself was one of the best I've had. The therapist listed to problem areas and checked in just enough to be helpful and not annoying during the service. It's expensive, but you are made to feel special and pampered and in my opinion, was well worth it. The only drawback was that it would be nice to use the pool even if you only have one service booked....as the other spas do in similar hotels. Other than that, this was a perfect visit. The showers/locker rooms were also wonderful! Clean and well appointed.

My fave spa in Chicago so far. Be warned, it is on the pricey side, but it's on par for a high end spa. I had the Jade hot stone massage which included full body exfoliation, a face cleanse, scalp massage and a full body massage with hot jade stones. Each treatment room has a full bathroom inside so you can quickly wash off the exfoliating scrub. I had the option to pick the body oil and scrub which was difficult since all the scents are amazing! The massage was out of this world amazing and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to treat them self. You can also use the gym/pool/jacuzzi/steam room during your visit which is a nice bonus. They don't push products which is nice, but at the same time I wanted to buy everything sooooo yea.

The staff is very nice and welcoming, the environment is clean, comfortable. I got a facial and this was the best facial I've received in Chicago, the staff who provide facial for me is very proficient, and the facial treatment was amazing, you would notice that instantly once her hands on your face, later I learned she has been practicing facial treatment for 18 years. I feel relaxed, recharged and my skin feels revitalized :D highly recommended and I'd love to comeback!

I was able to book the Sattva- Vedic aromatherapy massage here and it was one of my favorite massages that I've experienced. The massage therapist was able to explain in much detail the oils that were going to be used, the benefits of the massage as well as what to expect since this is different from just an aromatherapy massage. Before the massage, I was taken to a waiting area where they had small beds that looked like "cocoons" were I was able to relax and read. I was offered some herbal tea which made my relaxation time even better. After my massage, I was able to use the eucalyptus steam room located in the Women's locker room which extended my relaxation time. It was very nice to also be able to relax in there without any time restrains. The facility and the employees there were extremely attentive and professional. I will definitely come back to have a day to myself!!

Was a guest at the Peninsula hotel this past weekend. I had one service on a Sunday (Holistic Pedicure) and one service this morning (Khushali Journey). Here are the highlights: Sunday - the pedicure was very nice, the therapist was warm and welcoming, but the nail room was kind of cramped. There was also a lot of outside noise from the hallway, it is on the same level as the pool so a lot of traffic. The relaxation room with the cozy chairs in the picture was very nice with some light snacks. However, there is a large window overlooking the pool. This would be nice but there were loud children jumping in and out of the pool and the noise carried into the relaxation room. It filled the relaxation and overall "spa vibe". Also, the locker room is shared with visitors using the pool. There was A LOT of foot traffic going through the locker room including wet children. Truthfully, the whole thing was less than ideal. I almost didn't keep my spa appointment for the following day as I didn't want to have a similar experience. But I am SO glad I kept it! Monday - I had the two hour Khushali journey which entailed a foot and body scrub, lymphatic massage and oil treatment. The whole experience was 5+++ stars! Would recommend 100%. My husband was also able to schedule a last minute deep tissue massage this morning and he was it was fantastic. He is hard to please when it comes to getting deep enough pressure and he said only good things. The spa and pool was much quieter, most likely because it was during the week. The lesson here was, don't book a spa appointment on the weekend if you can avoid it. We are hoping to return to the Peninsula over the summer and plan to re-visit the spa.

Always an excellent choice, the Spa at the Peninsula gets high marks from me time and time again. Their relaxation room with those comfy chaises that are separated by privacy curtains is one of my favorite parts of the experience. Many a time I have dozed off here either before or after my services to be awoken with a soft voice uttering "Miss? Miss?" in my ear. On this recent visit- I decided to splurge and go for what they call "Spirit of Peninsula" body, head and feet treatment. It was 2 of the most decadent hours that I have indulged in, in a long time. I'm sure I'll miss some of the steps of this treatment because I think I am still having an out of body experience because of it, but I will try to do it justice. It begins with a warm foot bath followed by an exfoliating salt scrub all over your body. Next up? A deep massage with fragrant oils and if that wasn't enough, they do some kind of a hand, foot and scalp mask (very minty) that invigorates. And then they finish with a scalp massage. I could barely get off the table at the end of the treatment. Know that it's not a cheap treatment (about $300) for the 2 hours but for this road weary girl- it was worth every penny. My only disappointment, was when I came out of my service, I wanted to go and doze in my relaxation room. But all the chaises were taken, so I wandered back into the locker room to use the sauna instead. Not exactly the same calming effect. I'm a girl who likes a little pampering. And the Spa at the Peninsula takes care of that every time!

Most incredible experience! Down to every last detail, the Peninsula Spa has a way of getting you out of your mind and right into relaxation mode. A little confusing to find, but I did not mind getting lost in the Peninsula hotel either:). The locker room is kept pristine at all times. The receptionists on every floor I encountered were friendly and eager to help. On this visit, I got an Enzyme Peel facial for one hour ($230). It was absolutely incredible! My therapist's name was Sheila I believe, and I would definitely recommend booking her! She kept me informed what she was doing on each step along the way, which was very helpful. Towards the end I was so relaxed it was hard for me to acknowledge what she was saying, but I still very much appreciated it. The facial even included massages all throughout my shoulders, neck, chest, arms, down to my fingertips. Highly recommended. Definitely plan on staying after your appointment for a bit, the relaxation room with the snack bars they had were heaven! I only wish I could have had a chance to check out the pool, but that is only available if you have an appointment for 2+ hours. Overall, I would definitely make another visit (if I can afford it!;) )

LONG overdue review! What an absolutely luxurious experience. One of the finest spa visits I've had the chance to encounter. If you're able to treat yourself or a loved one, it is an exquisitely refined way to indulge yourself or to indulge someone. Their attendants are so helpful and professional. Comfort from their greeting me to my departure from this beautiful oasis. Upon checking in, they guide me and tuck me into these warmed lounge seats to await my therapist. I recall they served these delicious granola cranberry bars as I awaited my appointment. Their cucumber water was delicious and refreshing! The sauna was my favorite. I forgot my toiletries and they easily accommodated with brushes and other necessities. I wish I got to stay longer at the Peninsula to experience more of their spa amenities, but the services I did experience through their skilled masseurs and their spa facilities really left me relaxed and so spoiled. I absolutely recommend their spa services here. I hope to return on my future visits to Chicago.

WOW.....the most amazing pedicure in all of Chicago has been found! I was in need of a tranquil late evening escape and stumbled graciously into the Peninsula hotel! I was lucky to get in for an 8 PM appt with pedicurist (MaLin?) for a truly wonderful pedicure treat called the "Hollistic Pedicure" .....complete with a soothing hot stone leg and foot massage...WOW! It was more than holy...and my french polished toes looked so fantastic! Not to mention they serve my favorite Mighty Leaf teas in the Rejuvenation Lounge and so many great tasting spa waters....Cucumber, Orange, and Strawberry! Their indoor pool and lounge is coed and serves delicious appetizers from their 5-star restaurant!

I have loved going to the Peninsula for a pedicure as a once/year special treat for years (always been pricey, but very long lasting and fabulous exfoliation). This time, although they still exfoliated twice, the price point was so high and the rest of the experience so mediocre that I don't plan to return. The room still (!) only has one functional pedi chair, the other is broken (no massage option), and the techs mechanically raise/lower, push arms back without warning, which was weird; they up-charge for certain polishes (bc 'they are more expensive' - at this price point...?); the massage was minimal; they left us alone in the room for 10 minutes after soaking, legs resting on wet cold towels with only a dry towel (not a heated one, that would have been nice) over our feet; at that point, one tech had to go chase down the other (where did she go?); then they hustled us on out 10 minutes early ('released to prepare for the next customers'). Nope nope nope. They are making too much $$/sq' to never update the mani/pedi closet, and this was a rip-off, not a special treat.

I went in for half day spa treatment which includes a facial and a massage. While my massage was fine, not exceptional, but it was decent. My facial was terrible. She rushed her way through my facial which felt like she basically just put on 3 face masks and said you're finished. Not only that but she gave me the room to put my clothing back on and came in 3 seperate times In a matter of maybe 5 minutes to tell me to hurry up and get out because she had another appointment. I live in the area and realize the spas are booked around here all the time but I will never go back to this spa for a relaxing stress free day because it was exactly the opposite. I left feeling like I needed to go to the Waldorf or Four Seasons just to de stress from my time here.

Saturday early evening Spa treatment on Aug 3rd...what a treat to myself!!! Please ask for Loretta if you opt for the Detox and Adrenal Program. It's amazing!!!! Just make sure that you are very well hydrated before and after.

The Peninsula spa is everything you would expect from a 5 star establishment. I received a massage from Neel and she was literally an angel who brought tears of relaxation, joy, and relief to my eyes. If you've been thinking that you could use a massage, DO NOT HESITATE. Book one with her and enjoy! I also received a mani/pedi from Nella and she was fantastic! Did an amazing job and was so incredibly nice and personable. Both ladies were friendly, welcoming, excellent at their jobs and truly brought high end service to life. I could not recommend the spa more!

I scheduled a Biologique Recherche Healthy Glow facial for Saturday morning and it was a very disappointing experience for the cost. I should preface my recent review by stating I've had this service previously, and the esthetician, Sheila, was excellent and it was a very worthwhile experience. This time, I had Tina and found her to be condescending and focused on the up-sell. I was pressured into a $70 add-on sheet mask and in the middle of the facial she informed me I needed an eyebrow and lip waxing, which was an additional $35. My eyebrows are now uneven and look terrible. Basically another $100+ added to an already $200+ service. Overall it was an incredibly disappointing experience for the Peninsula, which prides itself on service.

Thank you Erika ..!! First time here at the Spa .. I booked a manicure I love definitely my tutti frutti Shellac Nail She is very professional and very sweet Love absolutely the service here ..!!

I've been to several high end hotels for their spa experiences and nothing will be my trip to the Peninsula. You can not go wrong between the amazing relaxation room (those chairs), the great locker rooms, access to the pool with views of Chicago, the ability to order room service to the pool. Besides the amenities, the service itself was amazing. I got a Dosha specific wrap and it was by far the best treatment I've ever received. When you schedule your massage you must see Mario-- he was amazing!

Went to get my nails done with a friend- this is not a luxury experience. I specifically asked if the chairs are next to each other and the space is such that you can chat- not the case. The room is super tiny and in a corner with no windows. They have two manicures and two pedicure stations jammed in. While the woman did an okay job and were nice the experience is mediocre at best- and not worth the $40 bucks each. Thy make you air dry ( but no real space to do that. Plus my nails chipped two hours later! Not going back here for manicures for sure.

I have searched the city of Chicago for the best massage.... I found just that at the Peninsula Spa. I was so blown away! Softest hands, firm pressure in the most relaxing environment. I'll never get a massage anywhere else!

Perfect way to unplug and relax in a beautiful spa setting. Classic Mani-pedi with Erika was a perfect way to look polished for the holidays. Worth the indulgence!

This was our second visit to the Peninsula Spa. Both times I've had excellent service. Please be aware that there is ONE downstairs therapy room. Do not accept this room for your massage. It is in a very high traffic area and so close to either the pool or daycare that I could hear children screaming and service carts going back and forth constantly. At checkout when I mentioned the disappointing "room" part of the experience they all seemed to be aware that this room was NOT popular. @Management, turn this room into a linen closet. One other note for management. The body wash was empty in my shower so I got to bathe in shampoo. Not a huge deal, but if we're spending $500 for two massages, I'm expecting a pretty flawless experience.

This review addresses the environment more than the services. Two very different vibes competing here. The Peninsula day spa not only functions as a spa, it also serves as a health club for adults and children both in the hotel and in the community. If you are expecting a peaceful and relaxing experience, you may struggle to maintain your zen-state when you encounter mom's negotiating with their screaming toddlers in the shower and dressing areas, guys in street clothes, flip flops and baseballs hats in the pool area, and double strollers in the hallways connecting the pool to the treatment areas. There is a lot of mixed energy here. Multiple uses in play - which I guess is OK if you know what to expect. Just a premium price for the less than premium experience. The place at times can feel more like a train station. Something to keep in mind...wish I had known,

The Peninsula is running its Spa week offerings ALL month! That's right -- for $50 a pop you can get either a facial, body scrub, or manicure. Not too shabby. I brought my friend her for her birthday b/c I'm hella generous like that (that's right! I give shout-outs to myself! I. AM. AWESOME.). For $50 bucks I figured I could be both a) cheap and b) glam (P-dawg, you know my love for you knows no price-tag! except it can't cost me more that $100. you know the rules). anyways, for such a swank palatial titans-of-the-universe place, the spa was just aight. definitely solid, don't get me wrong (and get your who-do-you-think-you-are-you-lowly-plebian-(kelly bensimon style)-panties all up in a bunch). here's the rundown -- Scrub: the lady that worked w/ me was all excited about the warming weather and how her dog didn't have to wear its cashmere sweater any more ("he hates it!"). i pretty much wrote her off as a human being worth knowing as soon as she said that, but i'm shallow like that. and lonely. the scrub was great; they do a sea salt body scrub, then you shower (alone), and they massage oils into you after. fabulous but i would never pay more than $50 for this; you can go to a korean spa and really get your scrub on for half the price and twice the results. Facial: awesome, my technician was DEFINITELY OCD and it's the kind of OCD you pay big $ to go ape shit on your face. she adjusted my head positioning no less than 15 times, which was the only annoying part, but other than that, she went to town, did her job, and was an exacting perfectionist so I'm glad her type of crazy has found a home in this world. i really hope she doesn't have kids though, b/c they are some miserable motherf*ckers. amenities: limited. they forgot to tell me the steam room was being renovated. although we sat by the pool for a while, we technically weren't supposed to if our spa appointments didn't last four hours. they have a "relaxation" room, but it isn't very relaxing with people walking in and out the entire time, and the blankets they give you in there are reused from one person to the next. mine had some man's red leg hair on it. and boo. are you sure angelina jolie stayed at this hotel? b/c this ain't even up to my standards and i'm broke as hell. (perhaps b/c you pay other people to rub oil into your skin you bougi-princess!! get some perspective cleopatra!). over all - four stars for the spa week specials but think twice before paying full price.

Heard great things about the spa and finally had a chance to try it out with girl friends. The spa is lay out is a little strange but level. I think the lounge and amenities should be closer and by one another. You should run up and down to use the lounge on the second floor and steam on the first. A little disappointed there's only a steam - no sauna, and only if your services are longer than 2 hrs , can you use the gym and pool. My friends and I all got hot stone massages. It was just OK in my opinion, not really a massage. More of heated rocks sliding up and down your body. Not much pressure. My masseuse was a little rude about scars I had on my chest. He made it clear twice that it's really horrible.. thanks for your two cents even though I didn't ask for it. The showers are clean and I like that it has a little dry area within your shower. Robes were very nice I'm 5' fit me well. Had cucumber ice towels for you when you're done with your steam. In the lounge there's 4 heated chairs by the fire place. And 4 basic but comfy lounge chairs. After that we had afternoon tea. I'll write a review for that separately.

To preface this review, I am only giving the spa 2 stars for a "luxury spa." It would get 3.5 stars if I were grading it as a regular spa and not taking into consideration what it charges as part of my review (which is really why it gets the downgrade). The spa at the Penisula really solidified for me that overpaying to treat yo' self doesn't mean that the services are going to be any better than had I paid less at a less swanky location. I booked an aromatherapy massage and a facial to help my friend celebrate her 30th birthday. In all fairness, I should mention that I had never been to this spa before but based upon the rumors I had heard, it was one of the best in the country. I've been to some pretty amazing spas, so my expectations were high. Unfortunately, Penisula's spa did not live up to the hype. Maybe I'm being picky, but upon my arrival, I felt like things were kind of disorganized and there was not much direction given to clients on what to do. For instance, I was shown to a locker room and told to change, but did I need to leave any undergarments on? Where did I go next? What should I be expecting? How do I get out of this maze? I had NO WAY OF KNOWING. As for the services, the massage was very, very good, but I have never had a "bad" massage. I have also had equally excellent massages as the one I had at the Penisula for much less. However, I would have gone back to the Penisula had I just gotten the massage. But no, I had to also book the facial. I was super excited to get my grill cleaned out and be told what my problem areas were. Instead, I had a brusque technician who heavily sighed the entire time and even scolded me a few times when I wasn't contorting my body in the right way. There was no warning before a dark quiet room turned into a glaring light directly on my closed eyes covered by cotton swabs. The worst part, though, was the extraction. Now, I know an extraction is going to hurt, but I am pretty diligent about taking care of my skin - I wash my face every night, use pore strips once a week, slather retionol all over, etc. etc. - so I did not think this was going to be as hellacious as it was. There was no warning, and then she just went to town so roughly that I was afraid she was literally going to break my face. I actually had an entire internal conversation where I posited that this spa must have been a defendant in a lawsuit for a broken nose or cheekbone so I could concentrate on something other than the pain. Then, she gave me some kind of treatment, but she certainly didn't tell me anything about it or why she gave me that particular treatment, which I kind of wanted to know so I could try to incorporate some of the same products to keep my skin healthy. After our services, my friend and I wanted to have a drink by the pool before our dinner reservations. We ordered a mimosa and a glass of wine. It took 30 minutes. THIRTY MINUTES. We also couldn't sit by the pool because it was littered with screaming children who were also running around the spa with their mothers laughing at how precocious they were. (no.) Any of the above would have been tolerable if I had not paid as much as I did for the two services I received. I paid $400 for services, and while I do okay, I certainly don't have a money tree to blow on spa services. This was a special occasion and I expected, for that amount of money, for the spa to make it feel like a special occasion. Instead, I felt like I was treated as a customer on a conveyor belt, so lesson learned. Moral of the story: run of the mill spa with greatly inflated prices. It's a great place to go if you can get a discount or groupon-type special. However, if you want something super luxurious, go elsewhere, and if you want just normal spa services, also go elsewhere. Also, so you don't think I'm a whiny brat, my friend felt the exact same way about her experience, so either we are two whiny brats or this review is legit.

WOW. I typically recommend this spa to friends and family and out of town guests visiting to enjoy a relaxing spa experience. I purchased a gift certificate for my mother in a wheelchair, for a 60 minute hot stone massage. I spoke with a Louise, the assistant manager. They did not want to allow me to sit in the relaxation room with my mother before her treatment or while waiting. What a joke?? They required me to have a treatment. I told them that it is a gift I want to see my mother enjoy it without disturbing anyone. They allowed it to occur but not without me getting upset. I was disappointed.

3.75 overall. I had a holistic pedicure and a 60 minutes deep tissue massage. The pedicure was definitely 5 stars, but for 100 dollars it should have been. Aleks was the person who did the pedicure service for me and I think she was wonderful (I'll definitely be back for THAT). The deep tissues massage was good but run of the mill (I couldn't help feeling that it was overpriced at $160 dollars) Adrienne was my masseuse, she was nice: no muss, no fuss...exactly what you would expect, but I didn't notice a difference between this and a $100 massage at a place like massage envy (with the exception of the heated table, which was really nice). The rest of the spa was really nice and I would describe that as 5 stars. I'm not giving the entire facility 5 stars for two reasons: 1. My boyfriend treated me to the spa with a gift card so I wouldn't know the price of everything. The giftcard also included a note that said a 20% gratuity had also been paid. When I went to check out, the woman at the desk gives me a bill that showed me the full price of everything and asked if I wanted to add any gratuity, I told her I was told the gratuity was included and she said it wasn't. I showed her the note and only then would she concede that the gratuity had in fact been paid. I would like to think this was a misunderstanding but it really left me feeling like someone was trying to get one over on me while I was feeling so relaxed--which is not a nice feeling AT ALL. I also know my boyfriend wouldn't want me to see the price--them showing it to me was just tacky and rude. 2. I ordered one additional thing while I was at the spa--lunch. I had the quiche lorraine. It was the worst quiche i have had in my entire life: greasy,fatty, bacon heavy doughy crust. ugh. It was just gross. I ate it because I was hungry, but it was not good. At all. They delivered it poolside, which was nice but the cost was $22.00 (which I thought was outrageous). Had I known how bad the food was going to be, I would have stopped at Trader Joe's on my way and smuggled my own snacks in.

Let's be clear and understand that this is the PENINSULA. Therefore everything has a pretty steep markup. The spa is really there to keep the 'hotel guests' happy. Because with all the nail joints in town...why pay more? For me...it's just a little treat for myself. STAFF: The most friendly and accommodating staff I have come across in years. From the doorman who greeted me at the door to the receptionist at the spa, everyone was trying to go above and beyond to make me feel welcome. At check out time, I was given a little tutorial about some of the other things the hotel has to offer. SPA SERVICE: Classic Pedicure ($75) The pedicure chairs are awesome, the foot bowl is awesome, the lotions and potions smell really nice.....that's about it. As with ANY service, it is all about the TECHNICIAN. This was my second time at the salon. The first time I went the tech was meticulous! My toes could have been in a photo shoot. This time around....not so much. The tech (Nella?) was real friendly, but pretty run-of-the-mill with the skills. Shaping the nails was inconsistent. The nail polish job was not the greatest...should have spent a lot more time cleaning it up. I pointed out a couple of spots to her...and she made excuses. I tip based on performance. This was a mediocre performance, mediocre tip. Bottom line....it's was like going to a restaurant where all the ingredients are organic...or flown it from some exotic place, but the chef never went to culinary school, so no matter what the ingredients are, you still get a mediocre meal.....but he's REAL friendly.

The Peninsula is gorgeous and their spa is extra lush and fabulous. The girls who welcome you immediately offer refreshments and take you to the very large,clean,and bright locker room to change into your robe. After getting my robe I was escorted into their relaxation zone to wait for my therapist. Veronika, my therapist, arrived less than five minutes later to take me to get the massage party started. I had an early appointment for a Swedish massage and I was a bit worried. My past massage experiences (at other spas) have all been performed by therapists who I've dubbed "Heather the Feather" based off their barely any pressure massage techniques. What if this therapist was the same and I fell asleep during the massage! What a waste that'd be. Eeep! Luckily for me, I was concerned for nothing. Veronika gave a great massage with just the right amount of pressure. She worked out all my kinks and knots and sent me on my super relaxed way. Even now many hours later I'm still kind of zoned out and feeling good. The steam room and the showers are awesome and come stocked with everything you need. I probably drank a gallon of cucumber water post steam room because it was so refreshing. I'll definitely return for a massage but won't make it a regular thing as it is very pricey.

I got a massage and body scrub here a few months ago, and I am just now writing a review. The whole experience was absolutely fantastic. From the moment I got there I felt relaxed and welcome. I was a little nervous because I don't do spa stuff that often, but they made me feel right at home. (And, lets be honest, I could get used the spa at the Peninsula!). The massage therapist asked plenty of questions about my comfort level, goals, sore spots, etc. I told her that my lower back is horrible, and she paid special attention to it during the massage. Now...the locker rooms. They are gorgeous. You can do a nice steam and shower before your treatment. I higly recommend this! It is,like, one of the best parts. Bring a swimsuit so you can relax at the pool afterwards. Let's be honest- plan to spend the *entire* afternoon there. A few quick pointers: don't arrive with a full belly- that'll ruin the massage and/or body scrub experience bring a swimsuit for the pool bring small bills to tip the bellhops who may help with your bags or hail a cab oh, oh, get there early to use the gym, and *then* take a steam wear comfy clothes Eeek- I hope to go back soon!

This place is awesome. The experience is amazing. It is relaxing and upscale but not pretentious. If my hubbie is reading this, you rock for getting me massages there! (Anytime you do, the joy will be returned to you! wink, wink!:) I LOVE this spa. I would live here if I could. Hmmmm...... ****UPDATE**** I just got the BEST pedicure of my life. The tech's name was: Erika Burch If you want someone who polishes each toe as if it were a gem...then ask for Erika. I know she works every Friday and Saturday and does not work on Mondays. (Who needs to party on the weekend if you can get a Pedi with Erika?) She is fun, personable, professional and loves her job! She is a master of her trade. I will be back, oh yes, I will be back.

I wanted to give my mom a massage for her 75th birthday, so I looked up some places to go in Chicago (which we were both visiting from elsewhere). My sister-in-law suggested the Peninsula or Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa, but Red Door didn't have very good reviews, so we went to Peninsula. Overall, it was an amazing experience. I had Nicky, who was not only REALLY amazing, but REALLY sweet! My mom had Evelyn, whom she also enjoyed greatly. It's pricey, but it was worth it to me. It was very much an experience (although I'd say to follow their advice and get there 30 minutes or more beforehand -- we were running late, so we were rushed and ruffled when we began). The only potential hiccup is that there weren't enough showers (four) for the number of people who needed to shower at the same time (six), and the water wasn't very hot. But that's a very minor critique. I'd totally go back. If you'd like a massage in Chicago, try this place out. And ask for Nicky!

Love it here. I decided to do some self spoilage after a week of travel on an uncomfortable hotel bed that gave me some back pains. I went in to get a manicure, pedicure and a deep tissue couples massage with the hubster. The pedicure was just amazing. I really like the lady that gave me the pedicure. Apparently she's known for her pedicures, and it was amazing. My feet felt so soft and looked really nice afterwards. I was able to order a cocktail while I was getting my pedicure, and it came with this cute bowl of nuts and rice crackers. Plus, they had Essie nail polish - way better than OPI in my opinion. The deep tissue massage was awesome. I told the masseuse that I was having some back pain, and she worked wonders on my back. She popped all my back bones and rubbed a hot stone over my back muscles to relieve it of the knots. I liked the locker area, although it was a bit busy. The manicurist showed me how to get strawberry water from downstairs, and it's soo good. I'm planning my next trip back because the spa here is just great.

I tried $185 one hour hot stone massage last weekend. Give it 4 stars in my mind exactly match for what the public rating here, since you already see planety of merits of the massage place here,let me provide you few additional things you may want to know before go. - There no private changing room, you could bring your cloth go change at priviate shower room but it's a bit inconvenient since it's not in same place. So, what I experienced was there two women in each side of me, changing clothes and we three have to protent we not see others naked. it's kind of awkward, since we are strangers. - The face holder in massage room is bit tight, Im wearing make up that day to do massage so I tried not let the face holder touch my make up, it's works but it's make me a bit hard to be complete relax, they should change a bigger size of the face holder. - I hope they offer more selecting of drinks for the customers beside water. such as tea, coffee, soda water or champagne. - Compare the previous massage I had in asian, massager in Chicago is more gentle. it's personal preference, but I like more pressure during massage since I have back pain, the pressure can help realse the pain. In a nutshell, it's a little bit expensive place to go for massage but still worth the money you spend. I feel my whole body is warm and livily after the massage.